Whale milk ranges in color from pure white to slightly green, often resembling heavy cream.
The color variation in whale milk is primarily due to the diet of the whale and the concentration of fat, which can be as high as 40% (compared to around 4% in cow's milk). Here's a breakdown of why whale milk appears as it does:
-
High Fat Content: The high fat content gives the milk a thick, creamy appearance, similar to heavy cream. This is crucial for the rapid growth of whale calves.
-
Dietary Influences: The specific color can be influenced by what the whale consumes. Pigments from their prey can subtly alter the milk's hue.
-
Variations Among Species: While generally white to slightly green, subtle color differences may exist among different whale species.
In summary, expect whale milk to look like heavy cream, potentially with a slight greenish tint, due to its high fat content and the whale's diet.
